Staying Safe Online
You have the right to feel safe online.
Some things to think about when you’re using social media and the internet:
- Think before you post: Remember that every time you go online you leave a ‘digital footprint’, making it easy for people to find out personal info about you. Before you post something, ask yourself – would you be happy for teachers, your parents or people you don’t know to see it? Would you be happy for it to still be online in 10 years time?
- Be kind to others: Don’t post anything horrible about people – online bullying is never ok. Think about how your posts will make others feel.
- Never meet up with someone you only know online, and be careful what you tell them: even if you have had nice chats with a stranger online, remember they might not be who they say they are. If they start asking you for personal info like where you live or what your phone number is, stop contact and tell an adult you trust.
- Don’t let it take over your life: Sharing with friends online can be great, and the internet can help you learn so many new things. But if you’re spending all your time in front of a screen and checking your phone at all hours of day and night, try to give it a break.
- Try not to worry about other people’s ‘perfect’ lives: remember that people often only share online the moments they feel happiest and looking their best. It’s not the same as real life. Everyone has bad days.
- Protect yourself: Keep your password secret and don’t let anyone else use your account. Don’t share your phone number or address online. Check your privacy settings on your social media and make sure only friends can see your posts.
For more information about staying safe online visit Young Scot’s ‘Digi know’ information page.
